The Purrfect Workspace: How One Tokyo Firm Is Combatting Burnout with "Cat Employees"

 

Meeting with the Manager: Just another day at Qnote Inc., where feline intuition meets high-level coding

In the high-pressure world of Tokyo’s tech scene, one company has found a unique solution to workplace stress that doesn't involve meditation apps or standing desks. At Qnote Inc., a systems engineering firm in Suginami Ward, the most senior staff member isn't the CEO—it's a 20-year-old rescue cat named Futaba.

A Legacy of "Pawsitive" Culture

Qnote’s unconventional journey began in 2004 when founder and CEO Nobuyuki Tsuruta adopted Futaba from a local sushi restaurant. What started as a single rescue quickly evolved into a core corporate philosophy. Today, the office is home to 11 cats, many of whom are rescues or the offspring of long-time "staffers".

These felines aren't just mascots; they hold official corporate ranks. Futaba serves as the "Chaircat," technically outranking the CEO, while others serve as "Chief Clerks," "Auditors," and "Managers".

Built for the Feline Workforce

The company’s commitment to its four-legged employees is literal. When Qnote moved into a new four-story building in 2020, they invested in a total feline-focused renovation:

• Custom Infrastructure: The office features wall-mounted shelves, elevated walkways, and 12 custom litter boxes.
• Cat-Proofing: Walls were treated with scratch-resistant paint to withstand the daily activities of the "staff".

The Business Case for Cats

While it sounds whimsical, Tsuruta-san maintains there are real business benefits. In interviews with Mainichi Shimbun, he noted:

• Forced Breaks: Cats walking across keyboards or napping on laptops force developers to step away and reset, preventing burnout.
• Enhanced Bonding: Caring for the cats (feeding and cleaning) is a collective responsibility that bridges the emotional gap between team members.
• Talent Attraction: "Loving cats" is a non-negotiable prerequisite for human applicants. This policy has led to significantly lower employee turnover rates and a surge in high-quality talent seeking a more humane work environment.

Meet the Executive "Furmiliar" Faces

The office roster at Qnote includes a diverse group of felines, each with a distinct personality and "corporate" role. While the team fluctuates as new rescues join or senior cats retire, here are some of the standout members of the workforce:

Image: Qnote
Futaba
Position: Chairman
Age: 20 years old
Gender: Female
About: The cat chairman of Qnote. She is the mother of six siblings, including Miruku, who watches over everyone, sometimes strict and sometimes kind. She finds blissful moments sitting on the laps of human employees and being petted. She passed away in August 2024.

Futaba (The Chaircat): The feline that started it all. Adopted in 2004 from a sushi restaurant, Futaba is the company's highest-ranking member. When she was alive, she primarily "managed" the office through strategic napping and setting a calm tone for the younger staff.

The "Chief Clerks" and "Managers": Several of the cats are the direct offspring of Futaba and another employee's cat, creating a literal "family business" atmosphere. These middle-managers are known for their hands-on approach—often sitting directly on keyboards to ensure their human subordinates take a screen break.

Source: Qnote
Miruku
Position: Manager
Age: 19
Gender: Male
About: The eldest of three brown tabby siblings, Miruku is our company's cat sales manager, with a plump, soft body and a charming, round face. He's also the department's biggest foodie. He passed away in August 2025.

Image: Qnote
Chimaki
Position: Secretary
Age: 19
Gender: Female
About her: The eldest of six siblings, Chimaki is a sexy older sister with a voluptuous body that captivates the human employees. She'll respond when you talk to her.

You can see the rest of the office cat staff on Qnote's website here.

The Specialized Recruits:

The Traffic Rescue: One cat was "hired" after an employee saved it from a traffic accident.

The Cafe Consultant: Another member was recruited directly from a local cat cafe, bringing "professional" socialization skills to the sales department.

The Former Stray: A formerly stray cat now serves as an "Auditor," keeping a watchful eye on office morale (and any unattended lunches).

Image: Instagram "Qnote Cates"

Feline "KPIs": What Do They Actually Do?

While they don't code or design apps, their "work" is vital to Qnote's ecosystem:

• Conflict Resolution: It’s hard to stay frustrated during a meeting when a "Manager" decides to chase a laser pointer across the conference table.
• Recruitment & Retention: Their profiles are a major draw for new talent. CEO Nobuyuki Tsuruta notes that their "quit rate" has dropped significantly because employees don't want to leave their feline coworkers behind.
• Social Media Ambassadorship: The cats are the faces of the brand, appearing frequently on the official Qnote Instagram and helping the tech firm stand out in a crowded market.

A Trend in Wellness

Qnote isn't alone. Other Japanese firms like Ferray Corporation have adopted similar policies, even offering "cat bonuses" to employees who adopt strays. In a culture often defined by rigid formality, these quiet paws and gentle purrs are proving that a little "pawsitivity" might be the most effective productivity tool of all.